Share Your Mission Moments

What moments has God given you lately to share His truth and His love? Have you shared your faith with a friend or family member or in a brief encounter? Have you pointed a hurting friend's eyes to Jesus in times of crisis?

Please share your mission moment story! Spelling and grammar do not matter — just describe the situation and the conversation. What matters is sharing a time when you took a step out in faith and shared God's message with another person. These mission moments encourage and strengthen others to do the same. Good, bad, or ugly, share your mission moments! Feel free to include a prayer request or ask questions.

Send your mission moment story as an e-mail to equipping@lhm.org . We will read them, pray for them, and select some to post online. Try to keep your story to 250 words or less; we reserve the right to edit for length as needed. Please include an e-mail address where we can reach you if you have questions.

Blessings to you in all your mission moments.

Your Mission Moments

For fourteen summers, Trinity Lutheran Church of Paw Paw, Michigan has given away English and Spanish New Testaments and tracts at a booth at our local 4H fair. For a number of years the Lutheran Layman's League of our area has sponsored us. In sharing the gospel with people, we often have stories about lives that have been touched by our presence there, but this year, something happened that was a huge "Wow!" about how God works.

It was Thursday, July 19, 2007 and three of us were manning the booth. This had been quite a busy day so far, since it was a free day for ladies, seniors, and veterans. I became engaged in a conversation with a gentleman who was obviously a Christian, and for some reason (maybe I had been at the fair too long, who knows?) I asked him a question in a way I never had before. I gestured toward our table and said, rather flippantly, "WELL, would you like an English Bible or a Spanish Bible?" He replied, "Actually, I'm looking for a Russian one."

I just stared at him. "You've got to be kidding! You want a Russian Bible?"

"Yes I do," he replied. He explained that his family was hosting a 10-year old girl from Belarus, Russia for six weeks. She had just received Christ the week before and he wanted to present her with a Bible in her own language.

Stunned, I turned away from him and rummaged around in a box under the table and pulled out a hardcover copy of the whole Bible in Russian! We were both amazed! His family was nearby, and he called excitedly for them to come over. They all were thrilled to see this great find. Then we watched as they gathered around a little dark-haired girl, 10 years old, and presented her with her own Bible in Russian. What a moment!

Why did we happen to have God's Word in Russian for the first time ever? Several weeks before the fair Becky Grossmann, a friend at church, had been to a garage sale, and when they found out she had been with Lutheran Bible Translators, they gave her this Bible because they had no real use for it. Since Becky didn't really need it either, she brought it to church and asked if we might take it to the fair. We don't have too many Russian people around here, but I agreed to take it along "just in case. Maybe some day."

None of us knew why we had a Bible written in a language no one around here speaks, but God had a plan all along. He wanted it to be placed in the hands of a little 10-year-old girl from Belarus! And we were privileged to be part of it! Wow!
(Posted with permission)

Recently I had the privilege to address 350 representatives from the Muscle Tissue Foundation. These people work at a tissue processing facility in Northeast Pennsylvania. As a wife of an organ/tissue donor, I was called upon to "tell my story." And, I had the pleasure of telling the story of my husband's donation. What they did not expect, however, was that I was about to use this time to witness my faith to them.

I proceeded to tell them that my husband was a 4th grade teacher who loved kids and people. He was a lay preacher in our church for one year during a vacancy and all this while teaching full time. I told them of his love for Jesus as his Savior, how he would take the time to talk [anyone] and tell them of Jesus love for them.

I told 350 people that his motto for his Youth group at St. Stephens. was the acronym of J. O. Y. I told them that he encouraged his youth group to always put J. (Jesus) first. O (others) second and Y (yourself) last; and that, if they did, the Lord would continue to bless them. I said: He always said "When I die, don't take my organs to heaven because when I get to heaven, I won't need them. God will give me a perfect body to live in the beauty, glory, splendor and perfection of Heaven."

I was asked to speak about my husband's organ and tissue donation, which I did, but also used this opportunity to witness not only my husband's faith, but mine as well. The opportunities are always there to witness all we need do is take them.
(Posted with permission)

As a trainer for my current company I travel several times each month and find myself eating alone on my travels. One morning for breakfast in a suburb of Detroit, MI as I waited for the waitress to come to my table, I was preparing to say my routine table prayer when the waitress asked for my order. I gave her my order and then asked her a simple question.

"Listen", I said, "I'm going to be saying a prayer before I eat my breakfast. Would you like me to pray for anything for you?"

She replied, "Yes, pray for my parents who are in ill health. They would appreciate that."

"I will do that." I said. And I prayed that God would give Angie's parents peace in their tribulation.

Sometimes we think it is so hard to witness for Christ, but it is simple things like praying for people who are hurting, and showing that we care that can make a big difference in their lives. I plan to go back to that restaurant and see how Angie and her parents are doing.
(Dickson City, PA - Posted with permission)

I am happy to share this story with you.

Following an evening prayer service which was recently held on the occasion of my sister's birthday, one of the attendees, whose mother recently passed away, asked me, in the presence of her sister and their father who were still in great sorrow, if I really believed that we will see our loved-ones again, as I had said in my proclamation of the Gospel message. I replied, "With all my heart." Knowing of their non-christian background, and that her brother, a believer in the Lord, had led the mother to faith before her passing, I proceeded to further explain the love of God in Christ Jesus, and his will that none should perish but that we have eternal life with him in his kingdom. The two sisters and their father, with tears welling up, all indicated how comforted they were to hear the Good News of the resurrection of the dead, as I had explained. Praise God that the seed of faith has been planted by the Holy Spirit through the message of the saving Gospel of Christ Jesus, our Lord. I will have an opportunity to follow up as there is another opportunity for a gathering of family and in-laws. To God be the glory.
(New York, NY - Posted with permission)

I had just left a conference in Virginia and was boarding the plane for home. I was in my typical task-oriented mode- ya know, like I have no peripheral vision. I had resolved to get much-needed work done during the flight.

I took my seat. When I did, the girl next me - obviously in her twenties as well - offered to gladly move the bag near her feet if it were in my way. I reassured her that it would be fine. I immediately recognized her willingness to have a conversation and prayed for mine.

I asked if she was from Virginia or Missouri. She told me neither, that she was on her way back to Seattle, where she now lives and works as an elementary teacher. She asked the same and what I had been doing in Richmond. I told her that I work for a ministry and had the opportunity to speak at a conference about sharing your spiritual beliefs- my belief being that Christ rose from the dead. She seemed engaged.

She went on to tell me that she had been raised Methodist and was looking for a church now. She owns a house with her boyfriend in Seattle, where he found a job out of college. She moved there from Virginia to be with him. She said that she'd really like to get back into a church. I nonchalantly asked what kind of church she preferred. She said that she would be looking for something more contemporary and, hopefully, less judgmental.

She said that she had felt rejected by her Methodist mother and stepfather since her move-in with her boyfriend. And, that she really wanted to be involved in church and even married- but that her relationship wasn't there yet. She said that she didn't want to end up getting a divorce like her parents did in middle school; so, she wanted the chance to decide whether he really is the one or not beforehand.

We discussed our family lives- my parents being divorced too. I discussed my fiance'and my church, but mainly that God's love for us as His children is unconditional and forgiving. I felt that a friendship was the most important part of that first conversation. But, we exchanged email addresses; and, when I go to Seattle in the fall, she is going to take me on a tour through the Starbucks plant. I look forward to talking to her more in depth.
(St. Louis, MO - Posted with permission)

Having witnessing put into my mind as a more purposeful activity since attending a workshop, I found an opening, of sorts, that I had not expected. My son, brought up in the Christian faith, strayed away and married a Jewish girl who does not practice her faith. I somehow thought these two would be the two most difficult people in my life to witness to. However, my husband and I always resolve to make some kind of a testimony through our behavior.

My daughter-in-law lives thousands of miles from us, but we often share our lives via the telephone. My local church has a "Live Nativity" each year. In a Christmas note to my daughter-in-law I found myself describing the animals we "import" for the Nativity Scene. I said it would be nice if her 10-year-old daughter who loves animals could sometime come and see the scenery and animals we bring in to surround the manger scene. In a subsequent telephone call she actually asked me about this. I had the opportunity to tell her how much fun it was to do this "Nativity" enactment each year and see the people come observe it.

Some weeks later she called and asked questions to help a fellow school teacher who was teaching a segment on different religions. She wanted to know about Mary's genealogy.

Later I saw these questions as tiny openings where, in a very round about way, I could share portions of my faith under conditions that seemed to be free of any pressure for her. I started praying for more such opportunities, suspecting that God was laying a lot of them out there in my path and that I had been missing them. Subsequent months proved this to be true.
(Oberlin, OH - Posted with permission)

My wife and I revisited a family from a previous witnessing event where the people were in need of some help. While we were there, we met their 55-year-old female helper who also lived at their house. As we visited, I discovered that she had backslidden from Catholicism. She hadn't been in church for many years. I received permission to share my faith with her; and, to my surprise, she felt that she was definitely going to heaven. Her reasoning was that she was a good person and did many good deeds for others. The gospel was certainly good news to her and, after seeing the scriptures of the promises of God in the Bible, she realized the grace that God has given her. She prayed with me. She asked forgiveness and thanked the Lord for the Good News of the Gospel - especially for what Jesus had done for her and the peace that He gave her. I invited the whole family and their helper to worship with us on Sunday evening. They said that they would if we could temporarily help out with transportation. We're working towards that happening as soon as possible.
(Indiana - Posted with permission)

Several months ago I was in Manhattan, Kansas, staying at my usual motel. The second night there, I went out to grab a sandwich. It was apparent that the desk clerk was just having a terrible time. She was very upset because everybody seemed to want everything "now." She went on and on that "she is only human." Before I left for dinner, I reached over and handed her a little cross that I carry around. I told her to grab this and things would look up. I returned in about an hour; and she had the biggest smile on her face. She said that, after I left, everything started falling into place. She thanked me for listening and for the cross. I told her to keep it with her at all times and to remember what the cross signifies. She said she would.

She was working the following morning. After I checked out, she followed me out the front door. She said that she didn't know if it was the cross or not but she was going to carry it around. I told her it wasn't the cross, but what the cross stands for; and said that if she did not have a church, it would be a good start in straightening everything out.
(Nebraska - Posted with permission)

While on a walk in Orlando, my wife found a money clip, on the ground near the sidewalk. It had cash, a driver's license, and a photo ID card. We checked the directory for names and found the address listed. We called and the man said he would come pick it up- that it was his 45-year-old son's property.

When he arrived, I noticed he was wearing a cross. I asked about his son. Looking down sheepishly, he said that he must have been drunk again. He shared that his son had been married to a Lutheran woman. They had a son that died at age one. The marriage fell apart. Since, he had turned to alcohol to cope with his losses. His drinking cost him his license, which cost him his driving job, where he was earning $70,000 annually. This man has a college degree, but has been living at home with his aging parents, totally dependent upon them for transportation to his low paying job. I prayed with his father that morning and offered to speak to his son.

That evening he brought his son over to our place and we talked. He was raised Catholic, and his Lutheran wife left with another man after losing their child. He's still hurting terribly. I told him that God must really care about him to put us together to share some good news with him. I shared that sometime we have to hit bottom before God gets our attention. I asked if he was ready to hear what the Bible had to say about his hurt. He said: "I am ready."

While my wife was in the other room praying, I shared the Gospel with him and his father. I showed him how sin separates us from God and how Jesus restored that relationship through his death and resurrection. He prayed with me, confessing his sin, forgiving those who had done him wrong, and asking God to forgive him for his anger at God. We prayed that the Holy Spirit would lead him into a relationship with Jesus. He realizes that he still has a battle. I gave him a brochure and book for more information and encouraged him to read his Bible and join a local support group.

My wife and I are now attempting to contact the Lutheran Pastor who married them and who buried his son to follow up with some counseling and to disciple him. Praise the Lord, God is good.
(Newburgh, Indiana - posted with permission)

I have a friend who grew up Christian but is sort of nothing now. I'm open about Jesus in my life and my church so faith matters do come up in conversation at times. He has shared some of his issues with church which is helpful for me in knowing what to share. Recently he asked me the million dollar question: aren't all religions just the same anyway? It was a privilege to tell him (without bashing other faiths) that Christ's action on our behalf sets Christianity apart from all other religions which require the person to earn salvation or a higher state of being. It's about what Jesus did, not what we do. This led a good conversation and I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue working in his heart and that I can continue to be an encouragement to him.
(Posted with permission)

A young woman that was one of my employees was going to Houston to have her fourth brain surgery for a recurring tumor. She has always been a positive person and a dedicated employee and she was frightened of her future with the surgery. We talked at length about her faith and I shared with her the need for a savior. She will be back from Houston this week and I will visit with her again at her request.
(Hasting, NE - posted with permission)

What is your "Ultimate Allegiance"? A person's Ultimate Allegiance defines a person's worldview. For a Christian, the Ultimate Allegiance is Christ. A Christian will surround himself with Christian friends, avoid offensive purchases, and honor Christ in word and deed.

For the non-Christian, Ultimate Allegiances include, wealth, self and family. You can determine a person's Ultimate Allegiance by observing, listening and testing. If, for example, a person's Ultimate Allegiance is family, you can observe lots of family pictures displayed, hear conversations concentrated about family and then test out by asking questions that would be challenging to family.

How can a Christian communicate to a non-Christian and plant seeds of Hope? The answer is simple; appeal to their Ultimate Allegiance and give the Gospel.

Bunny was in the last week of her life on this earth when a friend came to visit. She is a non-Christian friend whose Ultimate Allegiance is family. She visited with Bunny and related how much she had enjoyed visiting her family. Bunny responded, "I am looking forward to seeing my heavenly family - my Father and His children."

Bunny spoke to the heart, connecting with her friend's Ultimate Allegiance. The seeds of the Gospel are sown. Only the Holy Spirit knows the end of the story.
(Printed with permission)

Recently I underwent the procedure for having an MRI imaging scan taken of my brain. This was a repeat performance, so I knew it would take about 45 minutes, and I knew that I would want to keep my eyes closed the entire time so as not to become claustrophobic. So to keep my heart and spirit settled and my mind occupied, I worked through the alphabet, singing hymns that started with each letter. About 20 minutes into the procedure (I had gotten to "R"), the technician pulled me out of the tube to inject something into my arm in order to finish the test. Since he knew I had been hearing lots of loud rattles and clanks, he said, "So are you getting any sleep in there?" At first I was just tempted to respond with a joke, but instead I found myself saying, "No, instead I'm singing my way through the alphabet, singing songs that remind that Jesus is right here beside me." He was quiet for few moments, then asked, "What church do you go to?" I do not know if he will ever join me in church, but I hope that he felt the presence of Christ the same that I did that day!
(Permission - St. Louis, MO)

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